When thinking of installing a new countertop, granite might be the first material that pops into your mind. For many homeowners, granite is the default option due to its beauty, durability and ease of cleaning. You can find many varieties of natural stone with the help of granite suppliers in Denver.
But not everyone is a fan of the stone because it’s not the cheapest option. Nor is it the easiest material to install by yourself. It can be porous if it is not treated or sealed properly.
Before installing granite in your kitchen or bathroom, you need to consider its pros and cons.
Advantages Of Granite Countertop
- Beauty
Granite is an aesthetically pleasing natural stone to look at. Because it’s natural, you can find many variations of the rock, each unique from the other. While you can find similar patterns, finding the same patterns can be difficult.
Colors of granite usually include shades of pink, white, grey and black. It comes in many patterns like waves, veins, etc. Many confuse granite for marble due to its looks.
- Durability
Its durability is another reason why many homeowners visit a granite store in Denver. The stone is one of the hardest natural materials in existence. It’s harder than some of the other natural stones like marble.
This property makes it resistant to scratch, though you should still use a chopping board when using knives. The stone can also resist heat without melting or blistering. You can place hot pots over it directly though using coasters is still recommended. A granite countertop can last for years if maintained properly.
- Ease Of Maintenance
Granite is comparatively less porous than marble. Slabs are usually treated with a long-lasting sealant to prevent them from absorbing stains. This makes the slab easy to clean by wiping with mild soap and water.
You may also need to apply a sealant every few years, which isn’t difficult. Some sealants can last for years.
- Adds Value
Granite countertops can last for years and are very popular among homeowners. Installing granite can increase your home’s retail value by 25 percent.
- Timeless
Granite has passed the point where it was considered just a fad. Now it's the norm for many homeowners who increasingly buy the material.
Disadvantages Of Granite Countertop
- Expensive
Granite isn’t the most expensive material out there but it’s not the cheapest either. Installation can cost more than a thousand dollars depending on the area covered. Extra charges like labor or customization may apply depending on the dealer.
This is just the lower end of granite prices. High-end granite can easily eat at your budget. You need to consider the costs when buying granite.
- Difficult Installation
Granite is a dense material, so the larger the slab, the heavier it is. This makes installing the natural stone difficult by yourself. Its hardness means you need specialized tools to make the necessary cuts and customizations. This adds more layers of complexity for DIYers.
Mistakes during installation can cause issues further down the line. Unless you are confident in your ability to handle heavy tools and materials, you should leave the installation to professionals.
- Cracking And Chipping
Granite isn’t an easy material to damage. But certain weak spots like the edges can be vulnerable to a strong impact. You need to be careful to avoid cracking or chipping the countertop.
- Seams
Stones are usually cut into slabs to manage transporting and installing them. Depending on the area you need to cover, you may need multiple slabs. This means there will be seams between those slabs. This can give the surface an uneven look and a cleaning nuisance. You need to take extra steps to ensure that the surface seems seamless.
- Common
If you want to stand apart from your neighbors, granite might not be your first choice because of how common it is. Many homes have it by default to attract customers.
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